1882. ] AFRICAN MUNGOOSES. 69 
*Herpestes badius, Smith, Ill. Afr. Zool. pt. ii. pl. iv. (1838), 
*H. granti, Gray, P. Z. 8S. 1864, p. 561 (1864). 
* Calogale venatica, Gray, t. cit. p. 563 (1864). 
Hab, South-African subregion, and northwards to Zanzibar. 
d. Variety ochraceus. 
*H. ochraceus, Gray, P.Z.S. 1848, p. 138, pl. viii. (1848). 
Galerella ochracea, Gray, P. Z.S. 1864, p. 564 (1864). 
Hab. Abyssinia. 
Specific Characters.—Size small, form slender ; tail slightly shorter 
than the head and body. Fur of medium length, not longer either 
at the base or tip of the tail; colour very variable, sandy, rufous, or 
dark grey-brown. ‘Tip of tail always deep shining black, the black 
part varying from 1 to 4 inches in length. Underside of tarsus 
naked. Skull like that of a miniature AH. ichneumon; the teeth 
similarly slender and sharp. Last molar about half the length of 
the 4th premolar (46 to 59 per cent.). 
Varietal Characters. 
Typical variety.—General colour above and below dark brownish 
erey, with or without black annulations ; the tips of the hairs often 
with a distinct ruddy tinge. In unannulated specimens the black 
tail-tip not so sharply separated from the rest of the tail. 
Var. melanurus.—General colour above and below dark rufous, 
distinctly annulated with black. Fur short and crisp. 
Var. badius.—Bright rufous, sometimes annulated with black, 
Fur rather long and soft. 
Var. ochraceus.—Light sandy yellow, annulated, in the only known 
specimen, with black. 
Dimensions. 
; d Head 
Typical variety. : and body, ‘Tail. Hind foot. 
a. Abyssinia ([iippell) .......... 14:5 12:0 2°5 
b. Natal (Type of punetulatus)....  12°5 11°5 2°3 
Var. melanurus. 
ae SIEVTAD CONGI wh nye og fn dana xy & 13°0 11:0 2-3 
Var. dadius. 
Ge AMTICR. (SYPE) ier < os. wim, trefnn ee 9s 12°8 11-0 2°0 
NE et a me EEE ictvn sin dy DeLO 10°7 1-9 
Var. ochraceus. 
f. Abyssinia (type), imm... ...+:. 10°0 9°8 at 
